Mars and its exploration

  Many countries and scientists are especially interested in Mars among the many planets in the solar system. However, even though there have been lots of trials for Mars exploration for several years, it is a fact that there hasn’t been much information or data about Mars.
  The basic information we have known until now is that Mars is the closest planet that is rotating outside the Earth’s orbit of the sun. Also, Mars has 4 seasons like the Earth and the same length of day.
  Then, why do people keep talking about exploring Mars? First of all, the reason why humans concentrate more on Mars exploration than any other planet is because Mars is the second closest planet from the Earth, and in the cases of Venus and Jupiter, there are so many limits that humans cannot overcome, such as air pressure, temperature, etc. The second reason is to find new energy resources. Because of a lack of resources here and our overflowing population, the Earth is not what it was anymore. Lastly, due to space exploration, various technologies that were not able to be tested on the Earth can be tested. As space has zero gravity, experiments that are impossible on the Earth can now be done.
  The first Mars exploration was initiated during the ‘Mariner Program’. Mariner 4, which was launched on November 28, 1965, proved the Martian surface has lots of craters through its first successful flyby of the planet.
  After its first success, spacecraft Vikings 1 and 2 did research of the Martian atmosphere and soil for the first time. Vikings 1 and 2 also searched for life; however, they couldn’t find any organic matter in the soil.

Scott Kelly staying in space for 340 days

  Recently, as an advanced work of Mars exploration, Scott Kelly, the NASA astronaut who had been on the International Space Station (ISS) for 340 days to test how the space environment affects human bodies, safely returned.
  Scientists say that the physical data of Mr. Kelly will help humankind with its preparation of Mars exploration. Upon observation of the returned astronaut Kelly, there were obvious changes in his body.
  First, he was taller than before by 5cm. That’s because he wasn’t influenced by gravity for 340 days in space. Also, although he exercised constantly in space, his bone density and muscle mass decreased. In addition, there were changes in organs such as a change in the size of his heart. All these changes indicate that the human body adjusts itself to different circumstances.

Opinion about Mars exploration by Ji-hun Choi, student of the Astronomy Space Department

  Many kinds of space exploration work do not always bring benefits to mankind. Also, we should think before we start space exploration. Choi Ji-hun, who is a student of the Astronomy Space Department at CBNU, said, “I’d like to say that Astronomy originated from Philosophy. Before we start Mars exploration, we have to find the strong answers to some ethical and philosophical questions, such as ‘Who am I on this planet?’ and ‘Why do people try to explore Mars, even though there are lots of risks?’
  Next, we should think about the right purpose and reason for Mars exploration. For me, it’s not right to start its exploration just because of  honor, power, or receiving the title of ‘technically developed country’. I am interested in many planets, but I am most interested in this planet we are living on now. We need to study and love the Earth first even though space exploration has become necessary these days. In my opinion, we need to make efforts to protect the environment and pay attention to the Earth more than any other planet.”

By Lee Seong-ho
shl36@cbnu.ac.kr